Pacific University football team sees hope for the future after first win in two years

View full sizeOwen R. Smith/The OregonianFor the first time in two years, the scoreboard indicated a Pacific University win on Saturday.

Pacific University President Lesley Hallick got a word of advice on the sidelines as the Boxers football team wrapped up its first win since reforming two years ago: stay away from the field when the clock hits zero.

It was sound advice. As time ran out on the Boxers’ 44-25 win over the University of Puget Sound, hundreds of Pacific students rushed toward the center of the field, celebrating in a jubilant mass of humanity with the team and coaches.

The cathartic win ended a string of 16 straight losses over two seasons and served notice that the football team was truly back after the program was reinstated in 2010 after a 20-year absence.

“It means the world to us,” said sophomore quarterback T.C. Campbell. “To reach our goal and get that first win, at homecoming in front of our fans, it means everything to us.”

Campbell had a breakout game to lead his team, completing 21 of 27 passes for 387 yards and five touchdowns. But after sharing an emotional hug with his mother, Jean, who had traveled from Hawaii to see her son play, Campbell’s mind was on the future.

“It’s awesome to just have a solid group now,” he said. “We’ve put two solid classes together and we’re going to bring in a third one. It feels great and we’re just going to build off of this.”

Campbell wasn’t the only one to have a big game. Sophomore cornerback Craig Bailey had an interception and nearly had another.

After the game, Bailey reveled in the joy of victory, something none of the team members had felt at the collegiate level.

“It’s a huge lift. We work hard every week. We have good coaches who come in with great game plans and it’s finally great to see it executed,” Bailey said. “We came out with fire, which I haven’t seen us do in quite some time. We’re on the uprise.”

The win was especially meaningful for junior Eric Gietzen, who grew up in Forest Grove and graduated from Forest Grove High School, where he played offensive and defensive line for current Pacific assistant coach Mike McCabe.

“It means a ton,” Gietzen said. “To get this one under our belt, it’s huge. I’m just really excited.”

The community support, Gietzen said, has meant everything to the fledgling team.

“It’s been really great. I work here locally and I have people come into the sub shop every day and they wish us luck," he said. "Even though we’re losing, they’re super excited that we’re back and we’re playing football. They say, ‘We don’t care if you win or lose, we’re just excited that you guys are playing football.' It’s just awesome to have that kind of support.”